After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson?page=1">Boris Johnson</a> about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment.

"We are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred," the Electoral Commission said. "We will therefore continue this work as a formal investigation to establish whether this is the case."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-pms-let-the-bodies-pile-high-comment-creates-uproar-380851" hreflang="en">COVID-19: UK PM’s ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment creates uproar</a>

The investigation will focus on whether any transactions relating to the works at Downing Street within the regime regulated by the commission and whether such funding was reported as required or not.

Johnson has, however, denied these allegations and his spokeswoman has claimed that all donations, gifts and benefits were declared timely. He also declared that no funds from his Conservative Party were used for refurbishments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-lawmakers-ask-government-to-publish-big-pharma-lobbying-messages-380300" hreflang="en">British lawmakers ask government to publish big pharma lobbying messages</a>

As per the rules, anything spent over the set value of 30,000 pounds of taxpayer-funded allowance for the refurbishment of the apartment has to be met by the prime minister. Johnson has reportedly spent over 200,000 pounds on the refurbishment but it is still unclear if he used some loan or has misused the Conservative Party’s funds.

His opposition, the Labour Party, has demanded an explanation on the same.

After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment.

After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment. "We are now satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence or offences may have occurred," the Electoral Commission said. "We will therefore continue this work as a formal investigation to establish whether this is the case." Also read | COVID-19: UK PM’s ‘let the bodies pile high’ comment creates uproar The investigation will focus on whether any transactions relating to the works at Downing Street within the regime regulated by the commission and whether such funding was reported as required or not. Johnson has, however, denied these allegations and his spokeswoman has claimed that all donations, gifts and benefits were declared timely. He also declared that no funds from his Conservative Party were used for refurbishments. Also read | British lawmakers ask government to publish big pharma lobbying messages As per the rules, anything spent over the set value of 30,000 pounds of taxpayer-funded allowance for the refurbishment of the apartment has to be met by the prime minister. Johnson has reportedly spent over 200,000 pounds on the refurbishment but it is still unclear if he used some loan or has misused the Conservative Party’s funds. His opposition, the Labour Party, has demanded an explanation on the same.

UK Electoral Commission to probe PM Boris Johnson's flat refurbishment funding scandal

British lawmakers&nbsp;called on the government to publish all communications with pharmaceutical companies to understand if private lobbying influenced its opposition to a waiver of intellectual property rules for COVID-19 vaccines.

The United States and a handful of other big countries, including the United Kingdom, have blocked negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) involving a proposal spearheaded by India and South Africa that now has the support of 100 WTO members.

The proposal would temporarily waive the intellectual property (IP) rights of pharmaceutical companies to allow developing countries to produce vaccines.

The waiver is opposed by the US&nbsp;Chamber of Commerce and big pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

A cross-party group of UK lawmakers has signed a statement calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, ministers, and senior civil servants to publish all email, text, and WhatsApp messages exchanged with pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists.

Patient advocacy and vaccine equity organisations have also signed the statement, including Global Justice Now, Just Treatment, StopAIDS, Frontline AIDS, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines UK, Students for Global Health, and Nurses United UK.

"The UK's opposition to an intellectual property waiver on COVID-19 vaccines is utterly indefensible," said Heidi Chow, senior policy and campaigns manager at Global Justice Now, which organised the joint statement.

A spokesperson for the UK government said it prioritised transparency but stakeholders had a right to expect a reasonable degree of confidentiality in their communications.

The UK was one of the biggest donors to Covax to ensure global access to vaccines and continued to encourage manufacturers to provide their vaccines on a not-for-profit, transparent basis.

"We are committed to exploring ways in which we can improve equitable access further and believe this should be done through the existing Intellectual Property framework," added the spokesperson.

Last week US&nbsp;lawmakers and nonprofit groups heaped pressure on the Biden administration to back the patent waiver ahead of the next formal WTO meeting on the issue on May 5.

(With inputs from agencies)

British lawmakers called on the government to publish all communications with pharmaceutical companies to understand if private lobbying influenced its opposition to a waiver of intellectual property rules for COVID-19 vaccines.

British lawmakers called on the government to publish all communications with pharmaceutical companies to understand if private lobbying influenced its opposition to a waiver of intellectual property rules for COVID-19 vaccines. The United States and a handful of other big countries, including the United Kingdom, have blocked negotiations at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) involving a proposal spearheaded by India and South Africa that now has the support of 100 WTO members. The proposal would temporarily waive the intellectual property (IP) rights of pharmaceutical companies to allow developing countries to produce vaccines. The waiver is opposed by the US Chamber of Commerce and big pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. A cross-party group of UK lawmakers has signed a statement calling for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, ministers, and senior civil servants to publish all email, text, and WhatsApp messages exchanged with pharmaceutical companies and their lobbyists. Patient advocacy and vaccine equity organisations have also signed the statement, including Global Justice Now, Just Treatment, StopAIDS, Frontline AIDS, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines UK, Students for Global Health, and Nurses United UK. "The UK's opposition to an intellectual property waiver on COVID-19 vaccines is utterly indefensible," said Heidi Chow, senior policy and campaigns manager at Global Justice Now, which organised the joint statement. A spokesperson for the UK government said it prioritised transparency but stakeholders had a right to expect a reasonable degree of confidentiality in their communications. The UK was one of the biggest donors to Covax to ensure global access to vaccines and continued to encourage manufacturers to provide their vaccines on a not-for-profit, transparent basis. "We are committed to exploring ways in which we can improve equitable access further and believe this should be done through the existing Intellectual Property framework," added the spokesperson. Last week US lawmakers and nonprofit groups heaped pressure on the Biden administration to back the patent waiver ahead of the next formal WTO meeting on the issue on May 5. (With inputs from agencies)

British lawmakers ask government to publish big pharma lobbying messages

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated.

In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown.

Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of restrictions in January.

But he is now locked in a damaging war of words with his former top aide Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last year and financial dealings.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on unnamed sources, was "not true" and had been "categorically denied by practically everyone".

"None of this is serious. The prime minister has been utterly focused on delivering, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the response to Covid," he told Sky News.

The main opposition Labour party wants an urgent inquiry into Cummings' claims made in an explosive blog post.&nbsp;

"We cannot go on like this day after day with the drip, drip, drip of allegations," said Labour leader Keir Starmer.&nbsp;

"We need to get to the bottom of it because I think for a lot of people, this is beginning to feel very strongly like one rule for them and another rule for everybody else."

But the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s leader in the UK parliament, Ian Blackford, went further, demanding Johnson step down if his comments are confirmed.

"These comments are utterly abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a duty to resign," he tweeted.

"The Prime Minister must now come to Parliament to give a statement, and face questioning on these shocking claims and the growing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster."&nbsp;

Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of the countries worst hit in the world by the disease, more than 127,000 people have died from Covid.

But increasingly the prime minister is facing questions over his wider judgement and integrity, following weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate lobbying and special favours.

Cummings, the strategist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, quit Downing Street in December under a cloud of acrimony.

The former senior adviser wrote on his personal blog on Friday that Johnson had sought to use potentially illegal donations to renovate his publicly funded Downing Street accommodation.

Cummings also wrote that Johnson had raised the prospect of blocking an internal inquiry into leaks because they could implicate a close friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds.

Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, is to be questioned by lawmakers later on Monday over the allegations against Johnson, his ministers and officials, which Downing Street have dismissed as false.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced a call to resign on Monday after claims he dismissed the prospect of thousands dying from Covid, as a row over government "sleaze" escalated. In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown. Ultimately, Johnson did order a new round of restrictions in January. But he is now locked in a damaging war of words with his former top aide Dominic Cummings over his coronavirus policies last year and financial dealings. Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the Daily Mail report, based on unnamed sources, was "not true" and had been "categorically denied by practically everyone". "None of this is serious. The prime minister has been utterly focused on delivering, alongside Cabinet colleagues, the response to Covid," he told Sky News. The main opposition Labour party wants an urgent inquiry into Cummings' claims made in an explosive blog post. "We cannot go on like this day after day with the drip, drip, drip of allegations," said Labour leader Keir Starmer. "We need to get to the bottom of it because I think for a lot of people, this is beginning to feel very strongly like one rule for them and another rule for everybody else." But the Scottish National Party (SNP)'s leader in the UK parliament, Ian Blackford, went further, demanding Johnson step down if his comments are confirmed. "These comments are utterly abhorrent. If they are true, @BorisJohnson has a duty to resign," he tweeted. "The Prime Minister must now come to Parliament to give a statement, and face questioning on these shocking claims and the growing Tory sleaze scandal engulfing Westminster." Johnson has faced sharp criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. In Britain, one of the countries worst hit in the world by the disease, more than 127,000 people have died from Covid. But increasingly the prime minister is facing questions over his wider judgement and integrity, following weeks of stories about alleged inappropriate lobbying and special favours. Cummings, the strategist behind the 2016 campaign for Britain to leave the European Union, quit Downing Street in December under a cloud of acrimony. The former senior adviser wrote on his personal blog on Friday that Johnson had sought to use potentially illegal donations to renovate his publicly funded Downing Street accommodation. Cummings also wrote that Johnson had raised the prospect of blocking an internal inquiry into leaks because they could implicate a close friend of his fiancee Carrie Symonds. Simon Case, Britain's most senior civil servant, is to be questioned by lawmakers later on Monday over the allegations against Johnson, his ministers and officials, which Downing Street have dismissed as false.

UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Saturday called for an independent commission on ethics and standards in government after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's former top adviser criticised the UK leader's integrity.

On Friday&nbsp;Dominic&nbsp;Cummings, who left Johnson's staff suddenly late last year having previously been his most influential adviser over Brexit and the 2019 election campaign, denied reports he leaked Johnson's private communications over the sourcing of COVID-19 ventilators.

Cummings&nbsp;also said he was not responsible for leaks over the cost of refurbishing Johnson's residence and that the prime minister and his office had fallen below acceptable standards of competence and integrity.

Johnson's office in response on Friday said the government had followed the rules over the refurbishment. The prime minister had never interfered in a government leak inquiry, his office added.

"We need some kind of independent commission into ethics and standards in government, we can't let the prime minister mark his own homework on this," Steve Reed, Labour's spokesman on communities and local government, told BBC radio.

"This was the closest ally the prime minister's got and he's telling us the prime minister's behaviour was unethical, foolish and possibly illegal," he said.

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Saturday called for an independent commission on ethics and standards in government after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's former top adviser criticised the UK leader's integrity.

Britain's opposition Labour Party on Saturday called for an independent commission on ethics and standards in government after Prime Minister Boris Johnson's former top adviser criticised the UK leader's integrity. On Friday Dominic Cummings, who left Johnson's staff suddenly late last year having previously been his most influential adviser over Brexit and the 2019 election campaign, denied reports he leaked Johnson's private communications over the sourcing of COVID-19 ventilators. Cummings also said he was not responsible for leaks over the cost of refurbishing Johnson's residence and that the prime minister and his office had fallen below acceptable standards of competence and integrity. Johnson's office in response on Friday said the government had followed the rules over the refurbishment. The prime minister had never interfered in a government leak inquiry, his office added. "We need some kind of independent commission into ethics and standards in government, we can't let the prime minister mark his own homework on this," Steve Reed, Labour's spokesman on communities and local government, told BBC radio. "This was the closest ally the prime minister's got and he's telling us the prime minister's behaviour was unethical, foolish and possibly illegal," he said.

UK opposition calls for standards commission after PM criticised by former top adviser

Britain's parliament called on Wednesday for the government to take action to end what lawmakers described as genocide in China's Xinjiang region, stepping up pressure on ministers to go further in their criticism of Beijing.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government again steered clear of declaring genocide over what it says are "industrial-scale" human rights abuses against the mainly Muslim Uighur community in Xinjiang. Ministers say any decision on declaring a genocide is up to the courts.

So far the government has imposed sanctions on some Chinese officials and introduced rules to try to prevent goods linked to the region from entering the supply chain, but a majority of lawmakers want ministers to go further.

Lawmakers backed a motion brought by Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani stating Uighurs in Xinjiang were suffering crimes against humanity and genocide, and calling on the government to use international law to bring it to an end.

The support for the motion is non-binding, meaning it is up to the government to decide what action, if any, to take next.

The Chinese embassy in the UK condemned the parliament's move, calling on Britain to take concrete steps to respect China's core interests and "immediately right its wrong moves".

"The unwarranted accusation by a handful of British MPs that there is 'genocide' in Xinjiang is the most preposterous lie of the century, an outrageous insult and affront to the Chinese people, and a gross breach of international law and the basic norms governing international relations," the embassy said in a statement dated Friday.

Britain's minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, again set out to parliament the government's position that any decision on describing the human rights abuses in Xinjiang as genocide would have to be taken by "competent" courts.

Some lawmakers fear Britain risks falling out of step with allies over China after the Biden administration endorsed a determination by its predecessor that China had committed genocide in Xinjiang.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's parliament called on Wednesday for the government to take action to end what lawmakers described as genocide in China's Xinjiang region, stepping up pressure on ministers to go further in their criticism of Beijing.

Britain's parliament called on Wednesday for the government to take action to end what lawmakers described as genocide in China's Xinjiang region, stepping up pressure on ministers to go further in their criticism of Beijing. But Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government again steered clear of declaring genocide over what it says are "industrial-scale" human rights abuses against the mainly Muslim Uighur community in Xinjiang. Ministers say any decision on declaring a genocide is up to the courts. So far the government has imposed sanctions on some Chinese officials and introduced rules to try to prevent goods linked to the region from entering the supply chain, but a majority of lawmakers want ministers to go further. Lawmakers backed a motion brought by Conservative MP Nusrat Ghani stating Uighurs in Xinjiang were suffering crimes against humanity and genocide, and calling on the government to use international law to bring it to an end. The support for the motion is non-binding, meaning it is up to the government to decide what action, if any, to take next. The Chinese embassy in the UK condemned the parliament's move, calling on Britain to take concrete steps to respect China's core interests and "immediately right its wrong moves". "The unwarranted accusation by a handful of British MPs that there is 'genocide' in Xinjiang is the most preposterous lie of the century, an outrageous insult and affront to the Chinese people, and a gross breach of international law and the basic norms governing international relations," the embassy said in a statement dated Friday. Britain's minister for Asia, Nigel Adams, again set out to parliament the government's position that any decision on describing the human rights abuses in Xinjiang as genocide would have to be taken by "competent" courts. Some lawmakers fear Britain risks falling out of step with allies over China after the Biden administration endorsed a determination by its predecessor that China had committed genocide in Xinjiang. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's parliament calls for government to take action against genocide in China's Xinjiang

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.&nbsp;

The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators.&nbsp;

It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project.&nbsp;

According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic."&nbsp;

The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks.&nbsp;

The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment.&nbsp;

Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. &nbsp;

He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need.&nbsp;

The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron.&nbsp;

Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance.&nbsp;

Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him.

The British government said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did nothing wrong when he exchanged text messages with a wealthy industrialist and promised he would 'fix' the tax rules for him. The BBC reported that it had seen messages between Johnson and James Dyson, the vacuum cleaner inventor and home products magnate. The texts were sent in March 2020, when the coronavirus was sweeping across Britain and the government, fearing the health service would be overwhelmed, was trying to secure more ventilators. It approached the Singapore-based Dyson, who sought assurances that his staff members would not have to pay extra taxes if they came to Britain to work on the project. According to the BBC, Johnson texted: “I will fix it tomo (tomorrow)! We need you. It looks fantastic." The main opposition Labour Party said the ‘jaw-dropping' revelations suggested that the prime minister had used the power of his office to personally hand public money to a billionaire friend in the form of tax breaks. The British government denied wrongdoing, saying it, did everything we could in extraordinary times to protect our citizens and get access to the right medical equipment. Dyson's company did work on ventilators, but they did not go into full production. He said it was absurd to suggest that the urgent correspondence was anything other than seeking compliance with rules, as 450 Dyson people in UK and Singapore worked around the clock, seven days a week to build potentially life-saving equipment at a time of dire need. The news comes on top of allegations of cronyism involving one of Johnson's Conservative predecessors, former Prime Minister David Cameron. Cameron, who led Britain between 2010 and 2016, lobbied on behalf of a now-bankrupt financial services firm, Greensill Capital, whose founder he had employed as an adviser. Greensill collapsed last month, threatening thousands of jobs at a British manufacturer, Liberty Steel, which it helped finance. Cameron has denied wrongdoing. Both the government and Parliament have launched inquiries. Opposition parties are calling for tougher rules on links between government ministers, civil servants and businesses, saying Britain's laxly enforced lobbying regulations leave the door open to corruption. (With inputs from agencies)

UK leader denies breaking lobbying rules with texts to Dyson 

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is responding to lawmakers' questions.

News Alert: British PM Johnson takes questions in Parliament

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019.

Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain. Infections in India are currently surging as the country endures a second wave of the virus.

"In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," a joint statement from the British and Indian governments said.

"Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India."

Relations with India are seen as a key component of both Britain's post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate trade with countries outside the European Union, and a diplomatic push to gain more influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June.

Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant&nbsp;Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI).

The variant&nbsp;officially named B.1.617&nbsp;is believed to be almost certainly playing a part in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India and a major spike in infection rates.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled his delayed visit to India next week, his office said on Monday. This was to be his first major bilateral foreign visit since taking power in 2019. Johnson had already postponed the trip once from January when COVID-19 infections were high in Britain. Infections in India are currently surging as the country endures a second wave of the virus. "In the light of the current coronavirus situation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be able to travel to India next week," a joint statement from the British and Indian governments said. "Instead, Prime Ministers Modi and Johnson will speak later this month to agree and launch their ambitious plans for the future partnership between the UK and India." Relations with India are seen as a key component of both Britain's post-Brexit ambitions to reinvigorate trade with countries outside the European Union, and a diplomatic push to gain more influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Britain has invited India to attend the G7 summit it is hosting in June. Public Health England (PHE) has said that 77 cases of the so-called 'double mutant Indian variant have been detected in the UK since last month and that it has now been classed as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI). The variant officially named B.1.617 is believed to be almost certainly playing a part in the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India and a major spike in infection rates. (With input from agencies)

British PM Boris Johnson cancels visit to India over COVID surge, for the second time

The leaders of the UK’s Labour party have urged the Prime Minister to "set an example" and cancel his upcoming trip to India amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the country.

Boris Johnson is scheduled to visit India on April 25, marking the first-ever major overseas visit since he took charge of Number 10.

The trip was initially supposed to last for four days, but his office has now cut short the trip and has limited his travel options.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-all-set-to-visit-india-on-april-25-378090">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-all-set-to-visit-india-on-april-25-378090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"There are new variants emerging all around the world. The government is telling people don’t travel if you don’t absolutely have to travel. I can’t see why the prime minister can’t conduct his business with the Indian government by Zoom," Steve Reed, the shadow communities secretary told the Sky news.

Concerns about his trip rose as India registered more than 260,000 coronavirus cases within 24 hours. The Indian variant of the virus has also shaken the world with a new surge,&nbsp;and many scientists have warned the PM against this new variant.

Health experts of the country have also urged the Prime Minister to place a ban on travellers from India and have advised that India should be placed on the 'red list'.

"The decision to add and remove countries from the red list is informed by the latest scientific data and public health advice from a world-leading range of experts," a No 10 spokesperson said. "As with all our coronavirus measures, we keep the red list under constant review and our priority remains to protect the health of the UK public. We will not hesitate to introduce tougher restrictions if necessary."

The leaders of the UK’s Labour party have urged the Prime Minister to "set an example" and cancel his upcoming trip to India amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the country.

The leaders of the UK’s Labour party have urged the Prime Minister to "set an example" and cancel his upcoming trip to India amid a surge of coronavirus cases in the country. Boris Johnson is scheduled to visit India on April 25, marking the first-ever major overseas visit since he took charge of Number 10. The trip was initially supposed to last for four days, but his office has now cut short the trip and has limited his travel options. Watch | "There are new variants emerging all around the world. The government is telling people don’t travel if you don’t absolutely have to travel. I can’t see why the prime minister can’t conduct his business with the Indian government by Zoom," Steve Reed, the shadow communities secretary told the Sky news. Concerns about his trip rose as India registered more than 260,000 coronavirus cases within 24 hours. The Indian variant of the virus has also shaken the world with a new surge, and many scientists have warned the PM against this new variant. Health experts of the country have also urged the Prime Minister to place a ban on travellers from India and have advised that India should be placed on the 'red list'. "The decision to add and remove countries from the red list is informed by the latest scientific data and public health advice from a world-leading range of experts," a No 10 spokesperson said. "As with all our coronavirus measures, we keep the red list under constant review and our priority remains to protect the health of the UK public. We will not hesitate to introduce tougher restrictions if necessary."

Labour urges Boris Johnson to cancel India trip amid coronavirus surge

Calls have been growing for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to cancel the trip to India. UK report cases of variant detected in India. UK has detected 80 cases of double mutant strain. Johnson is all set to arrive in India on April 25 and he has already reduced the duration of the trip amid the COVID surge in India.

Pressure on UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to cancel the trip to India

Prime minister Boris Johnson is all set to visit India on 25th April but this will a curtailed visit.

United Kingdom: Prime Minister Boris Johnson all set to visit India on April 25

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday.

Earlier, Downing Street had confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in India, Johnson has decided to shorten the length of his planned visit with the bulk of the programme now set to take place during the course of Monday, April 26.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-shortens-india-visit-due-to-covid-19-377692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The visit, previously postponed from a Republic Day tour in January, is the first major bilateral visit for Johnson outside Europe since the UK general election in December 2019 and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period at the end of December 2020.

"The visit of PM Johnson is expected to positively transform the partnership across the wide-spectrum of issues and areas relating to Defence and Security, the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), Trade and Investments, Health care, Climate Change and people-to-people connect," the High Commission of India in London said.

"India and UK are set to agree on a 'Roadmap 2030' for future relations. The 2030 vision is for revitalised and dynamic connect between people; re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration; enhanced defence and security cooperation and closer engagement on regional issues including the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The India-UK Partnership in Climate Action, clean energy and health care is geared for mutual benefit and a better world,"&nbsp;it adds.

As part of the UK's post-Brexit Global Britain engagement as a non-member of the European Union (EU), all eyes have been on a proposed Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with India which will pave the way for a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future.

The ETP was expected to take firm shape during Johnson's visit this month but it remains to be seen how that progresses given the scaled-back programme.

"India-UK successful collaboration in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts over the last year has emerged as the silver lining in the bilateral relationship. Building upon the success achieved in the joint development, manufacture and distribution of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the visit will provide an opportunity to further consolidate the India-UK joint partnership in addressing future pandemics through health infrastructure development, joint investment in research and development of vaccines, swifter exchanges of healthcare professionals and strengthening existing institutional links/partnerships in the health sector,"&nbsp;the Indian High Commission said.

The last bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to India took place in November 2016 when Theresa May met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks, a visit widely seen as unsuccessful largely from the point of view of Britain's perceived unwelcome visa stance towards Indian students and professionals at the time.

Johnson's visit, which has been repeatedly hit by COVID-19 pandemic constraints, is by contrast expected to deliver a "streamlined and liberalised regime" for the flow of people between the two countries.

Downing Street is yet to reveal a detailed itinerary of Johnson's truncated agenda but confirmed on Wednesday that it will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi and high-level ministerial as well as business talks.

"This programme will be focused on high level discussions with the Indian government and Indian business leaders. We'll set out more details in due course, but the visit will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi," Johnson's spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said.

The spokesperson said the Prime Minister took the decision to reduce the length of the visit to a shorter programme in New Delhi in light of the COVID situation in India and following discussions with the Indian government.

"As with all the Prime Minister's visits, his trip to India will prioritise the safety of those involved. All elements of the visit will be Covid secure,"&nbsp;the spokesperson said.

The visit comes in the wake of the UK's foreign policy vision for an Indo-Pacific tilt as part of its 'once-in-a-generation'&nbsp;Integrated Review released last month, with the India visit highlighted as a central plank of that strategy during its launch in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India from April 25 and is set to agree a 'Roadmap 2030' for re-energised India-UK relations across trade and investment and climate action, the Indian High Commission in London said on Thursday. Earlier, Downing Street had confirmed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in India, Johnson has decided to shorten the length of his planned visit with the bulk of the programme now set to take place during the course of Monday, April 26. Watch | The visit, previously postponed from a Republic Day tour in January, is the first major bilateral visit for Johnson outside Europe since the UK general election in December 2019 and the conclusion of the Brexit transition period at the end of December 2020. "The visit of PM Johnson is expected to positively transform the partnership across the wide-spectrum of issues and areas relating to Defence and Security, the Indo-Pacific and Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR), Trade and Investments, Health care, Climate Change and people-to-people connect," the High Commission of India in London said. "India and UK are set to agree on a 'Roadmap 2030' for future relations. The 2030 vision is for revitalised and dynamic connect between people; re-energised trade, investment and technological collaboration; enhanced defence and security cooperation and closer engagement on regional issues including the Indian Ocean Region and the Indo-Pacific. The India-UK Partnership in Climate Action, clean energy and health care is geared for mutual benefit and a better world," it adds. As part of the UK's post-Brexit Global Britain engagement as a non-member of the European Union (EU), all eyes have been on a proposed Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) with India which will pave the way for a full-fledged Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in the future. The ETP was expected to take firm shape during Johnson's visit this month but it remains to be seen how that progresses given the scaled-back programme. "India-UK successful collaboration in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts over the last year has emerged as the silver lining in the bilateral relationship. Building upon the success achieved in the joint development, manufacture and distribution of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, the visit will provide an opportunity to further consolidate the India-UK joint partnership in addressing future pandemics through health infrastructure development, joint investment in research and development of vaccines, swifter exchanges of healthcare professionals and strengthening existing institutional links/partnerships in the health sector," the Indian High Commission said. The last bilateral visit by a British Prime Minister to India took place in November 2016 when Theresa May met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for talks, a visit widely seen as unsuccessful largely from the point of view of Britain's perceived unwelcome visa stance towards Indian students and professionals at the time. Johnson's visit, which has been repeatedly hit by COVID-19 pandemic constraints, is by contrast expected to deliver a "streamlined and liberalised regime" for the flow of people between the two countries. Downing Street is yet to reveal a detailed itinerary of Johnson's truncated agenda but confirmed on Wednesday that it will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi and high-level ministerial as well as business talks. "This programme will be focused on high level discussions with the Indian government and Indian business leaders. We'll set out more details in due course, but the visit will include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi," Johnson's spokesperson at 10 Downing Street said. The spokesperson said the Prime Minister took the decision to reduce the length of the visit to a shorter programme in New Delhi in light of the COVID situation in India and following discussions with the Indian government. "As with all the Prime Minister's visits, his trip to India will prioritise the safety of those involved. All elements of the visit will be Covid secure," the spokesperson said. The visit comes in the wake of the UK's foreign policy vision for an Indo-Pacific tilt as part of its 'once-in-a-generation' Integrated Review released last month, with the India visit highlighted as a central plank of that strategy during its launch in the House of Commons.

Boris Johnson's India visit to finalise 'Roadmap 2030' for India-UK ties 

All the main unionist parties have demanded the resignation of Northern Ireland’s police chief over the controversy, claiming he has lost the confidence of their community.

U.K.’s Johnson ‘Deeply Concerned’ by Northern Ireland Violence

Britain's prime minister has condemned another night of violence in Northern Ireland, after crowds threw petrol bombs and a bus was set on fire in Belfast.

The violence follows a week of rioting which some have suggested is the first evidence Brexit turbulence may be boiling into unrest in the British province, where post-EU rules are stoking fury among pro-UK sections.

Crowds gathered at Lanark Way in Belfast "where a bus has been set on fire", the Police Service Northern Ireland confirmed, advising people to avoid Springfield and West Circular roads.

"The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality," PM Boris Johnson tweeted late Wednesday.

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I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist. The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality.
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He added he was "deeply concerned" by the scenes.

A set of gates on the Lanark Way peace line — walls separating nationalist and unionist groups — were also set alight, according to the BBC's Northern Ireland correspondent.

"Crowds of a few hundred on each side throwing petrol bombs over in both directions," she said in a tweet.

She added a local priest had attempted to stop the violence: "They all greeted him with a friendly 'hi father', then returned to hurling missiles."

The BBC said the arrival of police cars mostly halted the violence.&nbsp;

Translink Metro said bus services in the area had been suspended, Press Association reported.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: "This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism."

Northern Ireland endured 30 years of sectarian conflict that killed 3,500 people.

Unionist paramilitaries, British security forces and armed nationalists — seeking to unite the territory with the Republic of Ireland — waged battle until a landmark peace deal in 1998.

The accord let unionists and nationalists coexist by blurring the status of the region, dissolving border checks with fellow European Union member Ireland.

Following the shock 2016 Brexit result, a special "protocol" was agreed that shifted checks away from the land border.

Britain's prime minister has condemned another night of violence in Northern Ireland, after crowds threw petrol bombs and a bus was set on fire in Belfast. The violence follows a week of rioting which some have suggested is the first evidence Brexit turbulence may be boiling into unrest in the British province, where post-EU rules are stoking fury among pro-UK sections.

Britain's prime minister has condemned another night of violence in Northern Ireland, after crowds threw petrol bombs and a bus was set on fire in Belfast. The violence follows a week of rioting which some have suggested is the first evidence Brexit turbulence may be boiling into unrest in the British province, where post-EU rules are stoking fury among pro-UK sections. Crowds gathered at Lanark Way in Belfast "where a bus has been set on fire", the Police Service Northern Ireland confirmed, advising people to avoid Springfield and West Circular roads. "The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality," PM Boris Johnson tweeted late Wednesday. I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist. The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 7, 2021 × He added he was "deeply concerned" by the scenes. A set of gates on the Lanark Way peace line — walls separating nationalist and unionist groups — were also set alight, according to the BBC's Northern Ireland correspondent. "Crowds of a few hundred on each side throwing petrol bombs over in both directions," she said in a tweet. She added a local priest had attempted to stop the violence: "They all greeted him with a friendly 'hi father', then returned to hurling missiles." The BBC said the arrival of police cars mostly halted the violence. Translink Metro said bus services in the area had been suspended, Press Association reported. First Minister Arlene Foster said: "This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder. These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism." Northern Ireland endured 30 years of sectarian conflict that killed 3,500 people. Unionist paramilitaries, British security forces and armed nationalists — seeking to unite the territory with the Republic of Ireland — waged battle until a landmark peace deal in 1998. The accord let unionists and nationalists coexist by blurring the status of the region, dissolving border checks with fellow European Union member Ireland. Following the shock 2016 Brexit result, a special "protocol" was agreed that shifted checks away from the land border.

British PM condemns latest Northern Ireland violence

The Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson has given green light to the next step of the roadmap out of lockdown. Pubs, gardens, hairdressers, beauty and nail salons and indoor leisure facilities such as gyms and spas can reopen from April 12.

Next stage of lockdown easing in England to begin in April 12

UK is set to announce new rules on Monday to restart international travel. It will use "traffic light system" to flag travel destinations.&nbsp;

The UK has set a tentative date of May 17 to relaunch foreign travel, currently banned except for a handful of permitted reasons. This has created massive pent-up demand for summer holidays abroad.

Travel destinations will be categorised as red, amber or green based on the virus risk.

People heading to low-risk "green" countries will simply take a virus test before and after they travel, the government said.

But those going to amber or red countries will have to self-isolate or quarantine afterwards.

"We are doing everything we can to enable the reopening of our country... as safely as possible," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.

The government urged people not to book summer holidays, saying it was "too early to predict" which would be the green-lighted countries.

The government has announced it will allow a number of people to attend public events such as football matches from this month in trials of a virus certification system.

(With AFP inputs)

UK is set to announce new rules on Monday to restart international travel. It will use "traffic light system" to flag travel destinations. The UK has set a tentative date of May 17 to relaunch foreign travel, currently banned except for a handful of permitted reasons.

UK is set to announce new rules on Monday to restart international travel. It will use "traffic light system" to flag travel destinations. The UK has set a tentative date of May 17 to relaunch foreign travel, currently banned except for a handful of permitted reasons. This has created massive pent-up demand for summer holidays abroad. Travel destinations will be categorised as red, amber or green based on the virus risk. People heading to low-risk "green" countries will simply take a virus test before and after they travel, the government said. But those going to amber or red countries will have to self-isolate or quarantine afterwards. "We are doing everything we can to enable the reopening of our country... as safely as possible," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said. The government urged people not to book summer holidays, saying it was "too early to predict" which would be the green-lighted countries. The government has announced it will allow a number of people to attend public events such as football matches from this month in trials of a virus certification system. (With AFP inputs)

UK to announce new rules to restart international travel

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is slated to set out plans for a domestic "vaccine passport" system to help the country ease itself out of lockdown.

Football cup finals, a comedy club and a cinema will be used to test vaccine passports over the next few weeks, as per plan.

The pilot venues will be unveiled on Monday by the prime minister with the NHS drawing up a system that will allow people to use an app or a paper certificate to gain access to major events and reduce social distancing measures.

Johnson, however, continues to face a mounting political backlash over the use of vaccine passports.

More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of so-called vaccine passports.

The system being piloted will take account of whether someone has had a vaccination, a recent negative test, or natural immunity after a positive test in the last six months

On Friday, Johnson said that a combination of immunity factors - if people have had the disease, a vaccination or had a COVID-19 test - would give businesses confidence.

Under the government’s planned “roadmap” out of the pandemic, pubs will be allowed to serve people outdoors later this month, with a further easing of restrictions in mid-May before all measures are lifted near the end of June.

Johnson suggested last month that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates. Culture minister Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, has said that such certificates could help get more people into theatres.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is slated to set out plans for a domestic "vaccine passport" system to help the country ease itself out of lockdown. Football cup finals, a comedy club and a cinema will be used to test vaccine passports over the next few weeks, as per plan.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is slated to set out plans for a domestic "vaccine passport" system to help the country ease itself out of lockdown. Football cup finals, a comedy club and a cinema will be used to test vaccine passports over the next few weeks, as per plan. The pilot venues will be unveiled on Monday by the prime minister with the NHS drawing up a system that will allow people to use an app or a paper certificate to gain access to major events and reduce social distancing measures. Johnson, however, continues to face a mounting political backlash over the use of vaccine passports. More than 70 British lawmakers have signalled their opposition to the introduction of so-called vaccine passports. The system being piloted will take account of whether someone has had a vaccination, a recent negative test, or natural immunity after a positive test in the last six months On Friday, Johnson said that a combination of immunity factors - if people have had the disease, a vaccination or had a COVID-19 test - would give businesses confidence. Under the government’s planned “roadmap” out of the pandemic, pubs will be allowed to serve people outdoors later this month, with a further easing of restrictions in mid-May before all measures are lifted near the end of June. Johnson suggested last month that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates. Culture minister Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, has said that such certificates could help get more people into theatres.

UK PM Boris Johnson to give go-ahead for trials of Covid passports

UK envoy to UN Barbara Woodward on WION: "UK and India want to build back better post-COVID", Ambassador Barbara Woodward told WION correspondent Susan Tehrani. She also spoke about UK PM Boris Johnson's upcoming visit to India this month. Watch the interview.

"UK and India want to build back better post-COVID", Ambassador Barbara Woodward told WION

Britain will allow care home residents in England two visitors later this month, giving some grandparents the chance to meet their grandchildren for the first time, the government said on Saturday.

To stop COVID-19 being spread in care homes which were badly hit during the initial outbreak of the disease last year, the government imposed tight restrictions on access during the latest strict lockdown which began in January.

Last month, measures were eased to allow each care home resident one indoor visitor, and from April 12, this will be doubled. Parents will be allowed to bring babies and very young children, allowing some people the chance to meet the newest members of their family for the first time.

"I’m particularly pleased to allow residents to have more visitors, including grandchildren, given the isolation and concern felt by so many this past year," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement.

Visitors will have to wear personal protective equipment and provide a negative COVID test result.

Britain will allow care home residents in England two visitors later this month, giving some grandparents the chance to meet their grandchildren for the first time, the government said on Saturday.

Britain will allow care home residents in England two visitors later this month, giving some grandparents the chance to meet their grandchildren for the first time, the government said on Saturday. To stop COVID-19 being spread in care homes which were badly hit during the initial outbreak of the disease last year, the government imposed tight restrictions on access during the latest strict lockdown which began in January. Last month, measures were eased to allow each care home resident one indoor visitor, and from April 12, this will be doubled. Parents will be allowed to bring babies and very young children, allowing some people the chance to meet the newest members of their family for the first time. "I’m particularly pleased to allow residents to have more visitors, including grandchildren, given the isolation and concern felt by so many this past year," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement. Visitors will have to wear personal protective equipment and provide a negative COVID test result.

UK to ease restrictions to allow care home residents two visitors

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed his concern over a growing surge in COVID-19 infections in France. Describing the Coronavirus situation in France as sad and alarming Johnson suggested that Britain could also be impacted by another wave within weeks.

UK PM Johnson expresses concern on France's COVID-19 surge

The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has concluded that "institutional racism" does not exist in the UK.

"What we have seen is that the term ‘institutional racism’ is sometimes wrongly applied and it’s been a sort of a catch-all phrase for micro-aggressions or acts of racial abuse. Also people use it interchangeably – systematic racism, structural racism [are] just being used wrongly," No. 10's commission’s chairman, Dr Tony Sewell, said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

While the report does agree that racism does exist in the country, it also boasts about achievements elsewhere and claims the country should be "a model for other white-majority countries".

The report is 264 pages long and has 24 recommendations, but has failed to impress the masses.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/george-floyd-murder-trial-day-3-new-footage-from-inside-a-convenience-store-played-374631">Watch |</a>

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Locals have slammed the commission and accused them of forcibly pushing the idea of structural racism.

"The well-meaning idealism of many young people who claim the country is still institutionally racist is not borne out by the evidence," the report claims.

However, the masses disagree as they feel the report "fails to explore disproportionality in school exclusion, eurocentrism and censorship in the curriculum, or the ongoing attainment gap in higher education," a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK said.&nbsp;

"We are also disappointed to learn that the report overlooks disproportionality in the criminal justice system – particularly as police racism served as the catalyst for last summer’s protests. Black people in England and Wales are nine times more likely to be imprisoned than their white peers, and yet, four years on, the recommendations from the Lammy review are yet to be implemented," the spokesperson added.

The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has also reported that while the report suggests progress has been made in the past few years, the prime minister Boris Johnson believes "there was more work to be done".

The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has concluded that "institutional racism" does not exist in the UK. "What we have seen is that the term ‘institutional racism’ is sometimes wrongly applied and it’s been a sort of a catch-all phrase for micro-aggressions or acts of racial abuse.

The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities has concluded that "institutional racism" does not exist in the UK. "What we have seen is that the term ‘institutional racism’ is sometimes wrongly applied and it’s been a sort of a catch-all phrase for micro-aggressions or acts of racial abuse. Also people use it interchangeably – systematic racism, structural racism [are] just being used wrongly," No. 10's commission’s chairman, Dr Tony Sewell, said on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. While the report does agree that racism does exist in the country, it also boasts about achievements elsewhere and claims the country should be "a model for other white-majority countries". The report is 264 pages long and has 24 recommendations, but has failed to impress the masses. Watch | Locals have slammed the commission and accused them of forcibly pushing the idea of structural racism. "The well-meaning idealism of many young people who claim the country is still institutionally racist is not borne out by the evidence," the report claims. However, the masses disagree as they feel the report "fails to explore disproportionality in school exclusion, eurocentrism and censorship in the curriculum, or the ongoing attainment gap in higher education," a spokesperson for Black Lives Matter UK said. "We are also disappointed to learn that the report overlooks disproportionality in the criminal justice system – particularly as police racism served as the catalyst for last summer’s protests. Black people in England and Wales are nine times more likely to be imprisoned than their white peers, and yet, four years on, the recommendations from the Lammy review are yet to be implemented," the spokesperson added. The communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, has also reported that while the report suggests progress has been made in the past few years, the prime minister Boris Johnson believes "there was more work to be done".

UK does not have 'institutional racism'; UK model of racial equality: Downing Street

Britain is not planning to postpone the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, a government spokesperson has clarified.

The spokesperson on Wednesday responded to a Sky News report that said the summit could be cancelled or radically changed.

The November summit in Glasgow, Scotland, was originally due to be held in 2020, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

“We are not looking to postpone the summit,” the spokesperson said. “We are working on the basis of COP26 being held in person this November, while closely monitoring the COVID situation.”

Earlier, Sky said two government sources had suggested the summit might have to be delayed for a second time amid signs that the pandemic is worsening in some parts of the world.

“The summit team is working closely with all partners and exploring what different scenarios might mean for COP26 and how we plan for that, whilst putting the health of the participants and the local community first,” the government spokesperson said.

The summit had been seen as a way for post-Brexit Britain to forge closer relations with the United States, which under President Joe Biden has recommitted to accords on climate change.

Britain is hoping to use the summit to revitalise commitments to international climate aims after a pandemic that has pushed the environment down the global list of priorities.

Britain is not planning to postpone the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, a government spokesperson has clarified. The spokesperson on Wednesday responded to a Sky News report that said the summit could be cancelled or radically changed.

Britain is not planning to postpone the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, a government spokesperson has clarified. The spokesperson on Wednesday responded to a Sky News report that said the summit could be cancelled or radically changed. The November summit in Glasgow, Scotland, was originally due to be held in 2020, but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. “We are not looking to postpone the summit,” the spokesperson said. “We are working on the basis of COP26 being held in person this November, while closely monitoring the COVID situation.” Earlier, Sky said two government sources had suggested the summit might have to be delayed for a second time amid signs that the pandemic is worsening in some parts of the world. “The summit team is working closely with all partners and exploring what different scenarios might mean for COP26 and how we plan for that, whilst putting the health of the participants and the local community first,” the government spokesperson said. The summit had been seen as a way for post-Brexit Britain to forge closer relations with the United States, which under President Joe Biden has recommitted to accords on climate change. Britain is hoping to use the summit to revitalise commitments to international climate aims after a pandemic that has pushed the environment down the global list of priorities.

UK not looking to postpone COP26 climate summit, govt spokesperson clarifies

US President Joe Biden said he had suggested to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that democratic countries should have "an infrastructure plan" to rival China’s Belt and Road initiative. He gave this advice via a phone call on Friday.

“I suggested we should have, essentially, a similar initiative, pulling from the democratic states, helping those communities around the world that, in fact, need help,” Biden told reporters on Friday.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a multitrillion-dollar infrastructure scheme launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping involving development and investment initiatives that would stretch from East Asia to Europe.

The project would significantly expand China’s economic and political influence, raising concerns in the United States and elsewhere.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-invites-40-world-leaders-including-xi-and-putin-to-virtual-climate-summit-373539">Also read |&nbsp;Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit</a>

Biden’s remarks came after he said on Thursday he would prevent China from passing the United States to become the most powerful country in the world, vowing to invest heavily to ensure America prevails in the ever-growing rivalry between the world’s two largest economies.

Biden plans to unveil a multitrillion-dollar plan to upgrade US infrastructure next week. He said on Thursday this would ensure increased US investment in promising new technologies, such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Over 100 countries have signed agreements with China to cooperate in BRI projects like railways, ports, highways and other infrastructure. However, China said last year that about 20% of BRI projects had been “seriously affected” by the coronavirus pandemic.

US President Joe Biden said he had suggested to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that democratic countries should have "an infrastructure plan" to rival China’s Belt and Road initiative.

US President Joe Biden said he had suggested to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that democratic countries should have "an infrastructure plan" to rival China’s Belt and Road initiative. He gave this advice via a phone call on Friday. “I suggested we should have, essentially, a similar initiative, pulling from the democratic states, helping those communities around the world that, in fact, need help,” Biden told reporters on Friday. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a multitrillion-dollar infrastructure scheme launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping involving development and investment initiatives that would stretch from East Asia to Europe. The project would significantly expand China’s economic and political influence, raising concerns in the United States and elsewhere. Also read | Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit Biden’s remarks came after he said on Thursday he would prevent China from passing the United States to become the most powerful country in the world, vowing to invest heavily to ensure America prevails in the ever-growing rivalry between the world’s two largest economies. Biden plans to unveil a multitrillion-dollar plan to upgrade US infrastructure next week. He said on Thursday this would ensure increased US investment in promising new technologies, such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Over 100 countries have signed agreements with China to cooperate in BRI projects like railways, ports, highways and other infrastructure. However, China said last year that about 20% of BRI projects had been “seriously affected” by the coronavirus pandemic.

Biden says he suggested UK PM Johnson a plan to rival China's Belt and Road Initiative

During the third<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-the-kill-the-bill-protests-in-britain-all-about-372605"> "kill the bill" </a>demonstrations in Bristol, the police officers claim to have been attacked with bricks, eggs, glass bottles and had lasers shone in their faces. Fireworks were also launched at Somerset and Avon police division.

After these revelations, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called these attacks on police to be "disgraceful" through a Twitter statement.

"Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol," he tweeted. "Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property."

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Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol. 
 
Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property. 
 
The police and the city have my full support.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1375741247470632960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of people took part in the demonstration in which they rallied in the city centre. However, the rally turned violent after 10 pm when local police armed with helmets and shield started dispersing the crowd.

The police officers have claimed that the horses and dogs being used for services were also pelted with glass and stone, but reportedly returned safely to their bases.

As of now, ten arrests have been made, of which three had been detained earlier too in connection with last Sunday's violent clash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/protests-against-new-police-bill-in-england-turn-violent-372157#new-sweeping-police-powers-372151">Have a look |&nbsp;Protests against new police bill in England turn violent</a>

The UK Prime Minister has also assured his support to the authorities. "The police and the city have my full support," he tweeted.

However, the authorities have reported that the violence was a result of the actions of a small group of demonstrators only.&nbsp;

"The majority of people acted peacefully however there was a minority who showed hostility to officers," said Superintendent Mark Runacres.

All through the protest, demonstrators could be heard chanting "Justice for Sarah" and "Who do you protect?" aid music and dance, despite heavy rain in the city.

These demonstrators are protesting against the new sweeping bill that would give the police more power to deal with all sorts of nonviolent demonstrations.

During the third "kill the bill" demonstrations in Bristol, the police officers claim to have been attacked with bricks, eggs, glass bottles and had lasers shone in their faces.

During the third "kill the bill" demonstrations in Bristol, the police officers claim to have been attacked with bricks, eggs, glass bottles and had lasers shone in their faces. Fireworks were also launched at Somerset and Avon police division. After these revelations, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called these attacks on police to be "disgraceful" through a Twitter statement. "Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol," he tweeted. "Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property." Last night saw disgraceful attacks against police officers in Bristol. Our officers should not have to face having bricks, bottles and fireworks being thrown at them by a mob intent on violence and causing damage to property. The police and the city have my full support. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2021 × Thousands of people took part in the demonstration in which they rallied in the city centre. However, the rally turned violent after 10 pm when local police armed with helmets and shield started dispersing the crowd. The police officers have claimed that the horses and dogs being used for services were also pelted with glass and stone, but reportedly returned safely to their bases. As of now, ten arrests have been made, of which three had been detained earlier too in connection with last Sunday's violent clash. Have a look | Protests against new police bill in England turn violent The UK Prime Minister has also assured his support to the authorities. "The police and the city have my full support," he tweeted. However, the authorities have reported that the violence was a result of the actions of a small group of demonstrators only. "The majority of people acted peacefully however there was a minority who showed hostility to officers," said Superintendent Mark Runacres. All through the protest, demonstrators could be heard chanting "Justice for Sarah" and "Who do you protect?" aid music and dance, despite heavy rain in the city. These demonstrators are protesting against the new sweeping bill that would give the police more power to deal with all sorts of nonviolent demonstrations.

UK PM calls attack on police 'disgraceful' during 'Kill the Bill' protests

As per the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown lifting plan, all hairdressers and pubs can reopen from April 12, if serving the customers outdoors.

Johnson has also hinted that the pub-goers might have to provide evidence of whether or not they have been vaccinated, once the lockdown restrictions are relaxed.

As per local reports, the government is looking into people producing a negative COVID test as proof before entering a pub. However, a final decision has not been taken yet.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-capitalism-greed-gave-britain-its-vaccine-success-372951">&nbsp;Boris Johnson says capitalism, greed gave Britain its vaccine success</a>

While the decision has not been finalised yet, the pub owners are not very happy with it as some believe it may bring in a feeling of being discriminated against for those who have not been vaccinated yet.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has already planned his first trip to a pub. During a visit to a nursery school, when he was asked whether he has an appointment with the hairdresser for April 12, Johnson jokingly responded, "For the pub? Yes. For the haircut? I don't know about that."

"I need to get a haircut... I do need a haircut, I do badly need a haircut, it's going to happen," he added.

He used this opportunity to assure people that COVID vaccine certificates will surely have "a role" but "no decisions have been taken at all" yet on the usage and process of these certificates.

Johnson was also spotted trying to paint a picture of a bunch of bananas and proudly showcased it for the cameras.

As per the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown lifting plan, all hairdressers and pubs can reopen from April 12, if serving the customers outdoors.

As per the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's coronavirus lockdown lifting plan, all hairdressers and pubs can reopen from April 12, if serving the customers outdoors. Johnson has also hinted that the pub-goers might have to provide evidence of whether or not they have been vaccinated, once the lockdown restrictions are relaxed. As per local reports, the government is looking into people producing a negative COVID test as proof before entering a pub. However, a final decision has not been taken yet. Also read | Boris Johnson says capitalism, greed gave Britain its vaccine success While the decision has not been finalised yet, the pub owners are not very happy with it as some believe it may bring in a feeling of being discriminated against for those who have not been vaccinated yet. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has already planned his first trip to a pub. During a visit to a nursery school, when he was asked whether he has an appointment with the hairdresser for April 12, Johnson jokingly responded, "For the pub? Yes. For the haircut? I don't know about that." "I need to get a haircut... I do need a haircut, I do badly need a haircut, it's going to happen," he added. He used this opportunity to assure people that COVID vaccine certificates will surely have "a role" but "no decisions have been taken at all" yet on the usage and process of these certificates. Johnson was also spotted trying to paint a picture of a bunch of bananas and proudly showcased it for the cameras.

'Pub? Yes, Haircut? No': Boris Johnson explains COVID vaccine certificates while painting bananas

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the "great spirit" shown by Britain in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and struck a cautious note of optimism about the lifting of restrictions, as he marked the first anniversary of the country's stay-at-home lockdown.

UK PM Boris Johnson talks to nation on COVID-19 lockdown anniversary

Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson said on Wednesday that capitalism and greed gave Britain its success in vaccinating its population,&nbsp;a remark that could rile up Brussels at a time when Britain faces an EU threat to block vaccine imports.

"The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friends," The Sun newspaper quoted&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;as telling Conservative lawmakers on a Zoom meeting on Tuesday evening.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-talks-to-nation-on-covid-19-lockdown-anniversary-372637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson&nbsp;then tried to row back and said: "Actually I regret saying it" and asked lawmakers repeatedly to "forget I said that".

Britain has so far mounted the fastest COVID-19 vaccine programme of any big country. But it now finds its programme threatened by the EU, which has been far slower in rolling out vaccines and faces a third wave of infections.

The European Commission is expected on Wednesday to extend powers to block exports, a move that could hit supply of doses bound for Britain.&nbsp;Johnson's remarks come after a week in which British ministers have tried to calm the row.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-uk-jobless-rate-down-to-5-till-january-372696/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Downing Street declined to comment on&nbsp;Johnson's remarks when contacted by Reuters, but unidentified sources gave the BBC a bizarre array of explanations.

The greed comment, according to the BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg, was apparently a joke about one of his cabinet colleagues, Chief Whip Mark Spencer, who was gobbling a cheese and pickle sandwich while the prime minister spoke.

Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel said, was talking about the success of pharmaceutical companies in developing a vaccine shot in record time.

"Clearly the prime minister was actually referring to the work that has taken place with pharmaceutical companies and how we have led the way really in this vaccine development," said Patel, who was not in the meeting.

Britain was one of several countries that developed a COVID-19 vaccine shot in record time: the shot developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca was approved for use on Dec. 30 by the British medicines regulator.

The British government helped fund the research, and AstraZeneca has promised to market it on a not-for-profit basis.

Other vaccines around the world have been developed with state funding, from Communist China and former communist Russia to the capitalist United States.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that capitalism and greed gave Britain its success in vaccinating its population, a remark that could rile up Brussels at a time when Britain faces an EU threat to block vaccine imports.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday that capitalism and greed gave Britain its success in vaccinating its population, a remark that could rile up Brussels at a time when Britain faces an EU threat to block vaccine imports. "The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friends," The Sun newspaper quoted Johnson as telling Conservative lawmakers on a Zoom meeting on Tuesday evening. Johnson then tried to row back and said: "Actually I regret saying it" and asked lawmakers repeatedly to "forget I said that". Britain has so far mounted the fastest COVID-19 vaccine programme of any big country. But it now finds its programme threatened by the EU, which has been far slower in rolling out vaccines and faces a third wave of infections. The European Commission is expected on Wednesday to extend powers to block exports, a move that could hit supply of doses bound for Britain. Johnson's remarks come after a week in which British ministers have tried to calm the row. Downing Street declined to comment on Johnson's remarks when contacted by Reuters, but unidentified sources gave the BBC a bizarre array of explanations. The greed comment, according to the BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg, was apparently a joke about one of his cabinet colleagues, Chief Whip Mark Spencer, who was gobbling a cheese and pickle sandwich while the prime minister spoke. Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel said, was talking about the success of pharmaceutical companies in developing a vaccine shot in record time. "Clearly the prime minister was actually referring to the work that has taken place with pharmaceutical companies and how we have led the way really in this vaccine development," said Patel, who was not in the meeting. Britain was one of several countries that developed a COVID-19 vaccine shot in record time: the shot developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca was approved for use on Dec. 30 by the British medicines regulator. The British government helped fund the research, and AstraZeneca has promised to market it on a not-for-profit basis. Other vaccines around the world have been developed with state funding, from Communist China and former communist Russia to the capitalist United States.

Boris Johnson says capitalism, greed gave Britain its vaccine success

The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has asked the Conservative party how Prime Minister Boris Johnson was able to pay for the renovation of his Downing Street apartment.

The refurbishment work cost almost $83,220 (£60,000) so far. The commission reportedly urged the party to ascertain whether the expenses fall within the ambit of election body’s regulation.

Tensions between the commission and the Conservative party have been brewing for some time. Last year, Amanda Milling, co-chair of the party called for the abolition of the election watchdog, and said that it is not fit for “purpose”.

The Labour Party also hit at the PM asking him to reveal if any “special favours” are owed to donors who funded the renovation of his apartment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uks-boris-johnson-to-get-astrazeneca-vaccine-as-he-dismisses-safety-fears-371185" hreflang="en">UK's Boris Johnson to get AstraZeneca vaccine as he dismisses safety fears</a>

Daily Mail on Saturday reported that a secret payment worth the same amount as renovation was initiated by the Conservative party in 2020.&nbsp;Mail claims that this amount was reimbursed by Lord Brownlow, but the declaration wasn’t made to either the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons.

Downing Street has been attempting to set up a charity&nbsp;to pay for the interior redesigning of the apartment. The PM receives £30,000 annual allowance for accommodation, while the renovation plans could cost over £200,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/sarah-everard-case-britain-needs-cultural-change-says-prime-minister-boris-johnson-371164" hreflang="en">Sarah Everard case: Britain needs cultural change says Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a>

Johnson’s press secretary Allegra Stratton earlier this month claimed that every facet of the renovation is being recorded, and that party funds are not being used to pay for renovation of the estate.

The Electoral Commission claims that it is intact with the party to ascertain whether any of these funding measures could be under the organisation’s regulatory powers.

The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has asked the Conservative party how Prime Minister Boris Johnson was able to pay for the renovation of his Downing Street apartment.

The United Kingdom’s Electoral Commission has asked the Conservative party how Prime Minister Boris Johnson was able to pay for the renovation of his Downing Street apartment. The refurbishment work cost almost $83,220 (£60,000) so far. The commission reportedly urged the party to ascertain whether the expenses fall within the ambit of election body’s regulation. Tensions between the commission and the Conservative party have been brewing for some time. Last year, Amanda Milling, co-chair of the party called for the abolition of the election watchdog, and said that it is not fit for “purpose”. The Labour Party also hit at the PM asking him to reveal if any “special favours” are owed to donors who funded the renovation of his apartment. Also read: UK's Boris Johnson to get AstraZeneca vaccine as he dismisses safety fears Daily Mail on Saturday reported that a secret payment worth the same amount as renovation was initiated by the Conservative party in 2020. Mail claims that this amount was reimbursed by Lord Brownlow, but the declaration wasn’t made to either the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons. Downing Street has been attempting to set up a charity to pay for the interior redesigning of the apartment. The PM receives £30,000 annual allowance for accommodation, while the renovation plans could cost over £200,000. Also read: Sarah Everard case: Britain needs cultural change says Prime Minister Boris Johnson Johnson’s press secretary Allegra Stratton earlier this month claimed that every facet of the renovation is being recorded, and that party funds are not being used to pay for renovation of the estate. The Electoral Commission claims that it is intact with the party to ascertain whether any of these funding measures could be under the organisation’s regulatory powers.

UK's election watchdog asks Conservatives how Johnson paid for apartment's renovation

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday received a first dose of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine, at the London hospital where he fought for his life almost a year ago, assuring the public the jab is safe.

"I literally did not feel a thing. It was very good, very quick," the 56-year-old leader told reporters at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, close to his Downing Street residence.

"Everybody, when you do get your notification to go for a jab, please go and get it," Johnson said.

"It's&nbsp;the best thing for you, the best thing for your family and for everybody else," he added, stressing the renewed green light given by scientists in Europe for the AstraZeneca jab..&nbsp;

"The risk is Covid. This is a great thing to do," Johnson said, hours after French Prime Minister Jean Castex received the AstraZeneca injection live on television.

Johnson spent a week at St Thomas' Hospital, including three days in intensive care, after he was diagnosed with the coronavirus at the end of March last year.

He said after coming out that his personal battle with the coronavirus "could have gone either way", and there was "no question" doctors saved his life.

AstraZeneca's jab, developed with Oxford University, provides the bulk of Britain's inoculation campaign and a large portion of its supply has been produced by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker.&nbsp;

The institute this week said it could not provide planned deliveries next month, denting Britain's otherwise impressive campaign, which has delivered more than 26 million first doses.

The supply issues are another headache for AstraZeneca after its jab was suspended in several EU countries, pending a review by the European Medicines Agency following isolated cases of blood clots and brain haemorrhages.

The EMA restated its approval for the vaccine on Thursday, as did Britain's own drugs regulator.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday received a first dose of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine, at the London hospital where he fought for his life almost a year ago, assuring the public the jab is safe.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday received a first dose of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine, at the London hospital where he fought for his life almost a year ago, assuring the public the jab is safe. "I literally did not feel a thing. It was very good, very quick," the 56-year-old leader told reporters at St Thomas' Hospital in central London, close to his Downing Street residence. "Everybody, when you do get your notification to go for a jab, please go and get it," Johnson said. "It's the best thing for you, the best thing for your family and for everybody else," he added, stressing the renewed green light given by scientists in Europe for the AstraZeneca jab.. "The risk is Covid. This is a great thing to do," Johnson said, hours after French Prime Minister Jean Castex received the AstraZeneca injection live on television. Johnson spent a week at St Thomas' Hospital, including three days in intensive care, after he was diagnosed with the coronavirus at the end of March last year. He said after coming out that his personal battle with the coronavirus "could have gone either way", and there was "no question" doctors saved his life. AstraZeneca's jab, developed with Oxford University, provides the bulk of Britain's inoculation campaign and a large portion of its supply has been produced by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. The institute this week said it could not provide planned deliveries next month, denting Britain's otherwise impressive campaign, which has delivered more than 26 million first doses. The supply issues are another headache for AstraZeneca after its jab was suspended in several EU countries, pending a review by the European Medicines Agency following isolated cases of blood clots and brain haemorrhages. The EMA restated its approval for the vaccine on Thursday, as did Britain's own drugs regulator.

UK PM receives first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. &nbsp;

It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. &nbsp;

This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion?&nbsp;

It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests.&nbsp;

The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year.&nbsp;

Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states.&nbsp;

Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed?&nbsp;

Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown.&nbsp;

From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen. &nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is a personality politician. The kind that Britain hasn't known since Winston Churchill and much like Churchill, he is trying to shape the United Kingdom in his image. Look at the blueprint, the integrated defence and security review, that he unveiled while addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. Boris Johnson announced a sweeping overhaul of Britain's domestic affairs, defence, diplomacy and international priorities. A revamp that reflects the Prime Minister's freewheeling and disruptive personality. It lays out a more activist approach to international relations. It redirects London's foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, it also lays out a plan to lift the cap on the number of nuclear warheads that the UK can stockpile and a plan to outlaw any protests that cause serious unease or annoyance. This blueprint is both consequential and controversial. Team Johnson is billing it as the most wide-ranging re-evaluation of the UK's place in the world since the end of the cold war. How accurate is this assertion? It's an ambitious new chapter for the United Kingdom on the global stage. The integrated defence and security review promises to make the UK a global force once again but without any old obligations. There are four areas of interest and importance. The Chinese regime has been recognised as the foremost state-based threat to Britain. Speaking in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson singled out China as a country that will pose great challenges for the free British society, but he was notably cautious and measured in his statement. He also promised to work with China where it is consistent with British values and interests. The integrated review also sets out a significant foreign policy shift like the tilt to the Indo-Pacific. This year, the Queen Elizabeth carrier will undertake its first operational deployment in the region. In April, the British Prime Minister will travel to India and he is also looking to build a Quad-like alliance with South-East Asian nations. With the G7 presidency in its hand, the UK has invited India, Australia and South Korea to attend the G7 summit scheduled for June this year. Some controversial decisions have also been taken like a nuclear stockpile upgrade. Britain is lifting the cap on the number of Trident nuclear warheads, it can stockpile by 40%. This decision will end 30 years of gradual disarmament since the cold war ended. The increased limit from 180 to 260 warheads is largely aimed at building deterrence against hostile states. Another controversial decision is a proposed law on protest. What kind of protests will be allowed? Any protest, which is noisy or causes serious annoyance, will be outlawed. Those who indulge in such protests could face up to 10 years in prison. The law will also limit the right to protest outside the British Parliament. It will provide police officers with significantly greater powers to crackdown. From global priorities to domestic concerns, this is indeed the biggest overhaul of British policy in a generation. Boris Johnson has laid the roadmap for a post-Brexit Britain. Whether he will be able to get the UK to the desired destination remains to be seen.

British Prime Minister unveils integrated defence, security review 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK&nbsp;as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

Addressing the British parliament, Johnson said that the UK has "led the international community in expressing our deep concern'' over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong.

Britain's biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Johnson&nbsp;wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade.

Johnson’s government said it would “tilt” its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-pm-boris-johnson-to-visit-delhi-on-april-26-will-head-to-pune-too-370966" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson to visit Delhi on April 26, will head to Pune too</a>

The United States has deployed its&nbsp;Navy aircraft carrier&nbsp;the USS Nimitz&nbsp;in the contested South China Sea.

Germany has also announced the deployment of its naval frigate to Japan.

"There is no question that China will pose a great challenge to an open society such as ours, but we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;told parliament.

Marginal influence

Britain, the world's sixth-largest economy, is dwarfed economically and militarily by China but believes that, with soft power and strategic alliances, it can help persuade Beijing to play by the rules of a new, more dynamic international system.

The British government has long promised the "Integrated Review" that will show that Britain, which completed its exit from the EU at the end of last year, still has international clout and will define a new era.

The UK has taken a nuanced approach to China, calling Beijing's increasing power and assertiveness the most significant geopolitical factor of the decade, and promising to challenge it where necessary and defend British national security.

Johnson is pursuing forming an alliance of 10 democracies to create an alternative pool of suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China.

The British government has approached Washington about a “D10” club of democratic partners, based on G7 plus Australia, South Korea and India.

In 2015, Britain's then-finance minister, George Osborne, predicted a "golden" era in Chinese-British relations. But ties have since frayed over issues including Beijing's security crackdown on former British colony Hong Kong and security concerns around Chinese investment in Britain.

What can the UK&nbsp;get from India?

Boris Johnson has called&nbsp;''India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom.''

India's skilled labour, technological assistance and vibrant market will open a lot of avenues for Britain which has recently parted ways with the European Union.

India is not the world's largest telecom market, it is also the fastest-growing.

According to a study on India's telecom sector, an increase in telecom subscriptions often touches 20 million a month.

India also offers the cheapest data compared at current market exchange rates.

As per cable.co.uk,&nbsp;the price per GB data in India to be $0.09.&nbsp;It took&nbsp;into account 5,554 data plans across 228 &nbsp;countries.

Along with the world, India is now steering towards 5G. The UK will need India's help to marginalise China in the telecom market.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India at the end of April in what will be his first major international trip after Britain’s exit from the European Union, as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region, his office said on Monday.

"I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said.

Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was unable to do so&nbsp;amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home.

At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday acknowledged that China will pose a “great challenge” for the UK as he set out the findings of a major review of foreign policy. Addressing the British parliament, Johnson said that the UK has "led the international community in expressing our deep concern'' over China’s mass detention of the Uighur people and its actions in Hong Kong. Britain's biggest foreign and defence policy review since the 1990 end of the Cold War sets out how Prime Minister Johnson wants to be at the forefront of a reinvigorated, rules-based international order based on cooperation and free trade. Johnson’s government said it would “tilt” its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years, saying the area increasingly represented the geopolitical centre of the world. Also read| UK PM Boris Johnson to visit Delhi on April 26, will head to Pune too The United States has deployed its Navy aircraft carrier the USS Nimitz in the contested South China Sea. Germany has also announced the deployment of its naval frigate to Japan. "There is no question that China will pose a great challenge to an open society such as ours, but we will also work with China where that is consistent with our values and interests," Johnson told parliament. Marginal influence Britain, the world's sixth-largest economy, is dwarfed economically and militarily by China but believes that, with soft power and strategic alliances, it can help persuade Beijing to play by the rules of a new, more dynamic international system. The British government has long promised the "Integrated Review" that will show that Britain, which completed its exit from the EU at the end of last year, still has international clout and will define a new era. The UK has taken a nuanced approach to China, calling Beijing's increasing power and assertiveness the most significant geopolitical factor of the decade, and promising to challenge it where necessary and defend British national security. Johnson is pursuing forming an alliance of 10 democracies to create an alternative pool of suppliers of 5G equipment and other technologies to avoid relying on China. The British government has approached Washington about a “D10” club of democratic partners, based on G7 plus Australia, South Korea and India. In 2015, Britain's then-finance minister, George Osborne, predicted a "golden" era in Chinese-British relations. But ties have since frayed over issues including Beijing's security crackdown on former British colony Hong Kong and security concerns around Chinese investment in Britain. What can the UK get from India? Boris Johnson has called ''India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom.'' India's skilled labour, technological assistance and vibrant market will open a lot of avenues for Britain which has recently parted ways with the European Union. India is not the world's largest telecom market, it is also the fastest-growing. According to a study on India's telecom sector, an increase in telecom subscriptions often touches 20 million a month. India also offers the cheapest data compared at current market exchange rates. As per cable.co.uk, the price per GB data in India to be $0.09. It took into account 5,554 data plans across 228 countries. Along with the world, India is now steering towards 5G. The UK will need India's help to marginalise China in the telecom market. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India at the end of April in what will be his first major international trip after Britain’s exit from the European Union, as part of efforts to boost UK opportunities in the region, his office said on Monday. "I am delighted to announce that I will visit India next month to strengthen our friendship with the world's biggest democracy," he said. Johnson had planned an Indian trip in January as part of efforts to speed up trade talks between the two nations but was unable to do so amid a surge of COVID-19 infections at home. At the time, his office said he had hoped to rearrange the visit before Britain hosted the meeting of leaders from the Group of Seven rich nations in June, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to attend as a visitor.

Why is Britain standing up to China

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